Thursday, April 13, 2017

Someone freaked out over the mere presence of a Chick-Fil-A on a college campus. The Duquesne Duke reported on March 26:

At the March 26 Student Government Association meeting, Senator at Large Niko Martini proposed that the SGA pass a resolution asking the university to reconsider the inclusion of Chick-fil-A as a dining option for students.

Martini is on the Lambda executive board. He clarified that he made the proposal on his own behalf and not Lambda’s.

“Chick-fil-A has a questionable history on civil rights and human rights,” he said in a statement to The Duke. “I think it’s imperative the university chooses to do business with organizations that coincide with the [university’s] mission and expectations they give students regarding diversity and inclusion.”

The SGA Senate did not pass any resolution but agreed to consider an alternate resolution to vett the Chick-fil-A Express, which senators tabled for the April 9 SGA meeting to allow time to research the concerns.

“Lambda’s leadership met recently with Auxiliary Services to share their concerns regarding Chick-Fil-A’s corporate position on LGTBQIA+ issues,” said Alia Pustorino-Clevenger, director for student life assessment and co-curricular community engagement, and also Lambda’s faculty advisor. “They will continue to have meetings in the upcoming weeks with Auxiliary Services and Parkhurst to address this matter further.”

Lambda President Rachel Coury personally said she worries the safety provided by Gay-Straight Alliance might be in jeopardy.

“I’ve tried very hard within the last semester and a half to promote this safe environment for the LGBTQ+ community,” Coury said. “So I fear that with the Chick-fil-A being in Options that maybe people will feel that safe place is at risk.”

Duquesne announced March 20 the addition of the Chick-fil-A Express to the Options Food Court beginning in the upcoming fall semester. The decision to add a Chick-fil-A was a response to student feedback, according to Duquesne spokeswoman Bridget Fare.

“The decision was announced as soon as the due diligence activities, including working with the City on permitting for the renovations, were undertaken and approved,” Fare said.

Chick-fil-A has faced controversy in the past for financially backing organizations that are accused of supporting anti-LGBT rhetoric.

Coury expressed concerns over the company’s history of supporting organizations that “are specifically anti-gay organizations.”

Fare said that the fast food company “has assured [Duquesne] that they do not discriminate.” She also said that “Chick-Fil-A informed the University that they ceased giving to Focus on the Family and Exodus International several years ago and have eliminated corporate donations and established a foundation with focuses on youth and education.”

In a statement provided by Chick-fil-A, Manager of External Communications Amanda Hannah said that the Chick-fil-A Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, focuses on youth and education.

“Only organizations directly aligned with that mission are funded,” Hannah said. “Programs with social or political agendas are not included in that giving.”

Reporting from the left-leaning website ThinkProgress revealed that the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated $1,017,610 to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2014.

The FCA has a “Sexual Purity Statement” for its volunteers and staff. It includes stipulations such as, “The Bible is clear in teaching on sexual sin including sex outside of marriage and homosexual acts. Neither heterosexual sex outside of marriage nor any homosexual act constitute an alternative lifestyle acceptable to God.”

Coury is aware of Chick-fil-A’s efforts for inclusivity. However, she would like Duquesne to acknowledge there is still some tension.

“It would be a really big deal for Lambda and the whole LGBTQ community on campus if someone could make a statement to eliminate the fear of being marginalized by having this business on campus,” Coury said.

The response from the Duquesne community to the addition of the Chick-fil-A has been mostly positive, according to Fare.

Students seem to appreciate having extra choices for on-campus dining but are dubious about Chick-fil-A’s dealings.

Madison Seffrin, a senior computer science student, said that she thinks the new addition is “a good thing.”

“I think it gives us another option, and it’s more food choices that make us comparable to other colleges that have a lot more chain restaurants on their campus, which is something I think we lack,” Seffrin said.

When asked about Chick-fil-A’s association with non-profits that expose homophobic rhetoric, Seffrin said that she does not “necessarily” agree with “some of those aspects,” but does think they are “a relatively stand-up company.”

She said she is bound to have some differences of opinion with the company’s policies.

“It’s almost inevitable that a place that closes its doors on a Sunday will also not support some of the things that I support,” Seffrin said.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Alex Slater, a freshman economics student.

Slater had heard of the controversy surrounding the chain and disapproves of their connections to anti-LGBT groups.

“I don’t believe that should be something they should be involved in,” he said. “But that is something that warrants discussion and if it’s something that people are not comfortable with, that should be discussed as well.”

Chick-fil-A released a statement July 2012 that “going forward” they would “leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.” Tax filings for 2012 also showed that the company’s other charitable arm, the WinShape Foundation, has ceased funding to all but one of the groups — the aforementioned FCA — accused of anti-LGBT practices.

SGA President Olivia Erickson expressed her and SGA’s intention to look into Martini’s and Coury’s apprehensions.

“We at SGA take this concern [about the installation of a Chick-fil-A on campus] very seriously,” Erickson said. “We are working on gathering students’ opinions and getting all the facts we can so we can make the best decision.”

“We serve as the voice of the students,” Erickson said. “SGA has a positive relationship with administration in order to function as liaisons for the students.”

Of course, they can't actually show were someone has been mistreated at a Chick-fil-A restaurant or where the chain has actually discriminated against anyone. Interesting to see someone so easily threatened by the serving of fried chicken.

Anyone want to remind campus leaders that a black gay activist shot up the Family Research Council building in DC carrying a backpack with 15 Chik Fil A sandwiches and extra rounds of 9mm? To "make a statement" on gay rights and against CFA after their CEO expressed his religious beliefs? Or that CFA's business has soared after Left wing bigots attempted a "boycott?" The danger is from this type of left wing bigotry and hysterical paranoia. Not the other way around.

I'm assuming that none of these kids take off for Christmas and just work straight through since they don't want to have anything to do with a Christian ideology? Good, glad they're keeping it consistent. Speaking of, I love the hypocrisy of liberals these days. They would be celebrating the diversity of a move to put a Mosque on campus, but go ballistic about a chicken restaurant whose owners have their own beliefs.

As a transspecies/otherkin person who identifies as a Holstein cow, I have to respectfully dissent from my LGBTQIA+ friends' criticism here.

Beyond literally saving the lives of millions of cows, Chick-fil-A fosters a welcoming environment in their restaurants, where you will frequently find employees who publicly present as bovine cheerfully greeting children, along with positive representations of cows on their marketing materials.

There are very few things the free market cannot address. Just let the haters start a chicken place and try to make a better product than chic-fil-a. But no, it is easy to tear somebody else's stuff down.

As disturbing as it is that they act this way, the far more troubling situation is that they are given attention, credence, and taken seriously by adults. This is the young adult manifestation of the temper tantrum and nobody has to balls to slap them across the face and tell them to grow up.

Dammit! We coddle these punks and give them snow globes and coloring books and safe spaces and they are a bunch of fucking marshmallows who have zero spine. They're only tough when they're in a crowd. It's classic brat behavior, like sticking your tongue out at another kid while peeking from behind your mother's skirt.

We used to have to watch idiots run out onto the baseball field during a game just so they can get their mugs on TV. TV wisely stopped filming them, and even quit talking about "the idiot on the field", because they didn't want them to get their five minutes. That's what we should be doing to these snowflakes. Ignore them, don't attend the press conferences, don't run the stories in your media, and that includes you, Kingfish. Relegate them to obscurity and they'll either go away or be obscure.

Utah-Oklahoma. Potato-Putah-toe. My bad and apologies all around. It was early and I mispoke. To solve the problem, I'm buying everybody a chick/biscuit Sunday morning at 7:10 in Madison at Chick. I meant to say Brigham Young instead of Oral Roberts, but, yes, those two do sort of run together when it comes to power, influence and ideology.

And if you don't know what finger-lickin-good has to do with chicken, you are beyond help. Stick with chitlins.

Wouldn't it be ironic if a school named Oral were opposed to homosexuality? WAIT!

While stumbling over states and college venues, the point made is that these Christ-Based schools run several states. And they either don't allow homosexuals or will kick one off the team if his passion is discovered.

And the question is: What does the NCAA have to say about this or do they simply choose to overlook the facts? They get all pissy over the bathroom argument and a state flag yet they ignore these states that discriminate openly on campi. They're going to have to either address this reality or get out of the business of politics altogether (which is what they ought to do). MY state flag and YOUR gender-identified bathrooms ain't nunna the damned bidness of the NCAA.

9:35 am I expect I've been to more student unions than you have. Just in the immediate family there are 4 undergraduate degrees and 5 advanced degrees all at different universities. That doesn't count all the colleges and universities we visited in our the selection process. The larger schools combined student unions with the bookstore, school franchise items and student union in one multi-story building. They had vending machines and if they had food, it was a food service contractor . Food service contractors also served in the cafeteria and alumni house and in the boxes of the stadium. But not a one had a fast food franchise unless it was in a large football stadium and basketball arena and then it was seasonal. And, they didn't want food like a chicken sandwich in the stands because of clean up. Can you imagine the mess there'd be in Cameron ?University towns have restaurants and fast food in the towns and wouldn't take kindly to the university competing.

And MSU has had a Chic Fil A in its union for a decade, maybe two. However long the franchise has existed. MSU also has military recruiting set up in the first floor of the union on a regular basis with not a whole lot of bedwetters gnashing teeth and busting pimples.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!